December 20, 2013 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Page 43 The Dispatch Forever In Memory Of Our Founder, Dick Lohmeyer (May 25, 1927-May 5, 2005) The Dispatch, Serving Greater Ocean City Since 1984, Is Published By Maryland Coast Dispatch Inc. Weekly On Friday Mornings MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 467 Berlin, Md. 21811 PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd. Berlin, Md. 21811 PHONE: 410-641-4561 FAX: 410-641-0966 WEBSITES: www.mdcoastdispatch.com www.facebook.com/thedispatchoc J. STEVEN GREEN Publisher/Editor editor@mdcoastdispatch.com HOW WE SEE IT Between The Lines By Publisher/Editor Steve Green The Caroline Street Comfort Station and Stage has been a nightmare project, and City Engineer Terry McGean has been understandably putting lipstick on the proverbial pig for some time. There’s nothing wrong with that because nobody expects him to be blunt with the media about how horrible this process has been and particularly how disappointed the city has to be in the construction work at the site. This has been the project from hell on all fronts, and it started before the former facility was even demolished with several stabs at its architectural design. The finished product is significantly different than what was initially proposed. Major revisions had to be made by the project designer to the restroom portion of the job as well as the roof and performing stage layout. That’s all well and good, and the Mayor and Council at the time certainly was right to get the design it wanted rather than settling. In his comments this week, McGean showed for the first time his frustration publicly with the process. In his career with the city, he can never recall having to consider whether to request a contractor’s bond company come in to finish the job. “It is a shame it had to get to this point,” McGean said. “Calling in the bond company is a last resort. Usually once that happens it is difficult for a contractor to get bonded again, which makes it difficult for them to work on any sort of large project. Hopefully, they have gotten the message. I am certainly seeing more progress in this past week then I have seen in the last two months.” Whatever the case, this is a project that needs to get done so all parties involved can move on and put this saga behind them for good. Some things simply do not need to be complicated, and it was nice to see the Ocean City Mayor and Council not overthink the proposed ordinance change that would prohibit passengers from riding in the bed of a pickup. There have not been any major accidents that I can remember involving this in Ocean City, but it’s only a matter of time. The city is right to move forward with this change and it’s refreshing the council is unanimous in its support. There’s no question the OC Air Show was lacking something last year. It’s always exciting to see planes of all shapes and sizes doing acrobatic maneuvers over the beach and Ocean City, but the event needs a military jet team to be special and memorable. If you agree with that, then the two next years are looking quite solid. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will be back once again for the 2014 Air Show edition. Although the Thunderbirds have been here before, the team brings with it a certain high-profile swagger that was missing last year. Though 2014’s event is looking solid, particularly with the Thunderbirds at the top of the bill, it’s the 2015 show that will be most exciting with the first-ever appearance of the Navy’s Blue Angels. The “blues” have never participated in the OC Air Show and that’s going to be a special sight to behold, so long as the government does not foil those plans. I write about this just every year but the town’s Wintefest of Lights event continues to be the biggest success story of all the town-sponsored special events. This attraction is an instant memory maker and a must-do on most local families’ lists of traditions. It’s a special display of lights and it’s impressive to all no matter the age. At my son’s kindergarten class’s presentation on family Christmas traditions this week, more than half of the 20-plus students expressed in one fashion or another how visiting Winterfest each year was a highlight of the holiday season for them. It’s not just the impact on locals, though, as it also attracts regional residents who might otherwise not visit Ocean City this time of year. It’s also an attraction to check out each year when second-home owners come down to check on their properties. Indeed, it’s a wonderful event and the town’s parks employees responsible for maintaining and erecting the display each year deserve a round of applause once again. Holiday Spirit Alive And Well This holiday season is confirming once again how unique the people who reside here are further highlighting this area’s generosity and unselfishness. It’s repeated time and time again about the area’s giving nature and ability to rally around a cause in times of tragedy and heartache, but this holiday season the general drive to help those who are less fortunate is apparent on just about every front. In local schools, our youngsters are learning first-hand how important it is to be civic-minded and willing to help those who are not as blessed as they may be. Each school across the shore in some way or another has demonstrated a philanthropic soul and the students, teachers and administrators deserve credit and praise for being willing to share their good graces with others and contributing food, time, effort, gifts and money to help others. Worcester Prep’s Annual Food Drive, organized and led by the Student Government Association, is a prime example of instituting the importance of giving and sharing in our youngsters at an early age. The school’s modest student body was able to rally together and have its most successful food drive ever. Each student was asked to bring in canned goods as well as make a $3 donation. All the proceeds from the month-long effort were given to local churches and organizations that reach out to those in need and make a difference. There’s nothing like seeing young people with a passion for helping others. That spirit is alive and well in all local schools and it’s a wonderful thing to see on display. Private businesses also get in the act on several fronts. Whether it’s conducting simple Toys for Tots collections with boxes by businesses’ front doors or more dedicated efforts such as CCi aiming to make a difference in the lives of those who rely on Diakonia or business owners donating proceeds from a holiday party to several charities, it’s inspiring and heart-warming to see all the philanthropic thoughts. What makes this community unique is it acts on those thoughts and capitalizes on it in a productive, dedicated fashion. This community gets results and makes a difference for those in need. This area is blessed with some of the most magical landscapes and beautiful views anywhere, but we are equally fortunate to live here because of the pride and spirit that resides within the people who call this region home. It’s a beautiful community on the inside and outside. NEWS DEPARTMENT SHAWN J. SOPER News Editor Sports Editor ssoper@mdcoastdispatch.com JOANNE SHRINER Staff Writer joanne@mdcoastdispatch.com TRAVIS BROWN Staff Writer travis@mdcoastdispatch.com CHRIS PARYPA Photographer SALES DEPARTMENT TERRI FRENCH Account Executive Entertainment Editor terri@mdcoastdispatch.com JEANETTE DESKIEWICZ Account Executive jeanette@mdcoastdispatch.com MANETTE CRAMER Account Executive manette@mdcoastdispatch.com ART DEPARTMENT CINDY WARD Art Director art@mdcoastdispatch.com JENNIFER T. O’BRIEN Graphic Artist COLE GIBSON Graphic Artist Webmaster BUSINESS OFFICE PAMELA GREEN Bookkeeper Classifieds Manager classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Quotable Quotes “The last couple years we have been in a holding pattern just trying to keep even … the new up is now even. This is the way we have to go to move forward and increase our tourism.” OCEAN CITY COUNCILMAN BRENT ASHLEY ON THE TOWN CONTRACTING WITH AN OUTSIDE COMPANY TO DRAFT A STRATEGIC TOURISM PLANNING DOCUMENT The Maryland Coast Dispatch (USPS #015125) is an official and legal newspaper for Worcester County. Periodical postage paid at Berlin, Maryland, and additional mailing offices.. The Maryland Coast Dispatch, 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, Md. 21811, is published weekly on Friday mornings, 52 weeks a year. Subscription rates are $75 per year, $55 for six months. POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to Maryland Coast Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Maryland Coast Dispatch offices are located at Route 346 and Graham Avenue, Berlin, Maryland. “This just changes too much for me. Plans 2 and 3, it just does too much … I don’t know these people. These people don’t know me.” BERLIN COUNCILMAN DEAN BURRELL ON HIS OPPOSITION TO THE PROPOSED ELECTION REDISTRICTING PLAN “They seem to have gotten the message. A lot of things that have been dragging on are now getting done, so we will make the final determination of whether we bring in the bonding company or not.” OCEAN CITY ENGINEER TERRY MCGEAN ON A DEADLINE IMPOSED ON THE CAROLINE STREET COMFORT STATION CONTRACTOR “… I think the county has a ways to go before we are back in good graces with financial situations. … If anybody is to get a raise I would like to see the taxpayers of Wicomico County get a raise by not having to pay a tax increase next year ...” WICOMICO COUNTY COUNCILMAN JOE HOLLOWAY EXPRESSING HIS POSITION AGAINST PROPOSED COMPENSATION INCREASES FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS